The route number was changed in accordance to then-Wisconsin Department of Transportation policy, which prohibits duplicate numbers between state and US/Interstate highways within Wisconsin.

When the road was recently rebuilt, the state department of transportation incorporated a new feature they are testing called centerline rumble strips.

The highway's eastern terminus with Interstate 94 has been called "Wisconsin's most visible cheese interchange" by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

[2] Prior to 1992, WIS 142 extended from I-94/US-41 along what is called Washington Road into Kenosha.

In 1992, WisDOT turned the eastern section back to city and county control.